In recent years, a growing chorus has been calling attention to the eroding position of American firms and workers in the world economy. The National Academy of Sciences recent report, Rising Above the Gathering Storm, attempts to chart a course forward that will create a vital, robust American economy with good paying jobs for our citizens. I want to join those who have been encouraging you to study this report closely and embrace its conclusions...."

Each year, as our economy grows, so too does our demand for more energy. For too long, our country has depended on an unbalanced energy portfolio that relies on outdated technologies and a dependence on foreign sources of oil. As we look to the future, we have a responsibility to promote clean, sustainable energy supplies in conjunction with aggressive energy-efficiency and conservation measures.

Innovation is the key to a more balanced, secure U.S. energy future — and a sustained, strong economy. It is time we put the American spirit of innovation and ingenuity to work for our country’s energy market. Unfortunately, investments in energy research and development have declined sharply since the Carter administration. Our challenge is to develop creative energy solutions that enhance our overall security. We must seize the opportunity presented by a wide public discussion of energy issues and put the country back on track to reap the enormous benefits of energy R&D.

To focus American ingenuity on the challenge of developing radical solutions to meet our future energy needs, I have crafted legislation that creates an Advanced Research Projects Agency for Energy (ARPA-E). Unlike the current paradigm for energy R&D, this new agency would leverage significant financial resources with the best and brightest talents in our nation’s industries, universities and national laboratories for high-risk, high-payoff energy research and development. The focus will be on revolutionary new capabilities for overcoming major technological barriers to enhancing energy security. Moreover, ARPA-E would introduce such technologies into the larger energy marketplace and allow our country to realize the enormous economic benefits of developing an export industry in new energy technologies.

"...With the NOAA and NIST labs, important scientific research being performed at our Universities, and many leading high-tech companies based in the area, the STEM disciplines are crucial in driving Colorado's economy.

"Scientific innovation is, therefore, a particularly relevant issue for Colorado and the district I represent. Most important of all, scientific research and innovation are the lifeblood of America's economic future....

"Representative Gordon has introduced legislation that would directly implement the recommendations of this report. I am a cosponsor of these bills and hope they will initiate debate about how we can best serve innovation in our country. These bills will strengthen our economy by ensuring students have the resources necessary to successfully compete in the global marketplace.

"In the end, I believe because NSF has close ties with the scientific community it could play a unique role in developing and providing support services to enhance our country's math and science education programs and I support increased resources being directed to education within the agency...."